Anushka Virahsawmy
Director Gender Links Mauritius and Francophone Operations
Ah, Mauritius with its multicultural harmony, and, of course, the unwavering commitment of men to keep women out of politics. Kudos to our esteemed male political leaders! You’ve done a spectacular job of maintaining the status quo, ensuring that women make up just a quaint little fraction of decision-makers in our country. Because, clearly, according to you, the business of running a country is best left to men, right?
For years, we’ve been hearing the same tune – or should we say mantra – from political leaders: “Women are doing a great job, and we will definitely include more female candidates in the next General Election.” Well, the election is less than a month away and yet there’s barely a glimpse of improved women’s representation. How much longer must we wait for these empty promises to materialise?
We’ve been told not to trust politicians. Their rhetoric changes overnight. We’ve seen this with political alliances. Yesterday’s enemies are today’s best friends. Mudslinging has turned into a mudcake, easily swallowed, even when coated with an overdose of sugar-coated promises.
Women are incredibly capable and play a vital role in driving the economy. They are stepping up to play crucial roles in new and fast-growing fields of technology and innovation, Green Energy and Sustainability, Creative Industries, Entrepreneurship and Startups, Healthcare and Biotechnology, Fintech and Digital Finance, Agritech and Food Security, Justice system to name a few. Are men afraid that if they let women into politics, they might start doing what male politicians think are outrageous (pe met dezord) , e.g. advocating for equal pay in all sectors, pushing for gender equality policies, addressing issues like Gender Based Violence, childcare or even women’s reproductive rights. Imagine that: women making decisions about women’s issues! Surely, our male politicians believe that’s a job best handled by men. After all, don’t they know better the needs of women?
Women from all walks of life have demonstrated their creativity by crafting new products—soaps, candles, jewelry, vases, and more. But do our political leaders truly believe that women are lighting these candles just to navigate the shadows of male chauvinism? That they’re wearing jewelry as part of some soap opera performance to amuse men or being displayed like decorative pieces in vases? What kind of society are we living in?
But really, why change a system that’s working so well for you, men? You’ve all done a fabulous job of keeping political power safely locked away in the hands of a select few. No need to disrupt that boys’ club atmosphere by inviting women in. They might bring fresh ideas, and worse, they might actually succeed. Can you imagine a Mauritius where women are fully represented in politics, actively shaping policy, and holding real power?
Let’s face it, it seems like some male parliamentarians are suffering from a serious case of laryngitis – we’ve either never heard their voices or when they do speak, it’s incomprehensible. So, why is the blame always placed on women? The truth is, both male and female parliamentarians sometimes engage in pointless criticism just to fill the air. They often spout nonsense, with little regard for facts or figures.
When the new Local Government Act became law specifying 30% of women or men must be on party list for any local elections, some politicians suggested that this be applied to the General Elections. Some of them have promised at least one woman in each constituency. They have all become amnesiac since. What are we seeing instead? Capable women candidates are being replaced by males on list of candidates for the 2024 General Elections.
Looking at media coverage, with its endless stream of male-dominated pictures and articles, one could easily believe that only men exist in this country. What a contradiction for a nation where politicians never tire of preaching about gender equality. But take a glance at social media, and you’ll see women leading the charge—dressed in all the vibrant colors of the rainbow. They’re the ones working tirelessly, going door to door, and organizing behind the scenes, even serving food at private gatherings. Yet, when it comes to recognition and real power, they remain almost invisible.
So here’s to you, male leaders of Mauritius! You’ve mastered the art of lip service – throwing around terms like “gender equality” and “empowerment” at the right events, while making sure the reality stays comfortably in your control. Bravo for keeping women in their place – not too high, not too visible, but just enough to tick the box.
Political leaders, please look at yourselves in the mirror. “Mirror, mirror, am I the same person who has promised to file more women candidates?” The mirror will reply “Promises and lies”.
Food for thought: Should you decide to let a few more women in, don’t worry – it won’t hurt your image too much. You can always make a big show of it later, claiming you’re “progressive” while still keeping the actual power where it belongs.